New Study: Swearing At Work Boosts Morale And Team Spirit
Robert Paul Reyes
October 18, 2007
There are certain circumstances under which profanity should not only be permissible, but completely understandable. If I stub my toe "Oh shucks" doesn't begin to convey my feeling of frustration and the pangs of pain I'm experiencing. If a guy runs a red light and crashes into my new car, screaming "you dirty scofflaw" won't be anywhere near as satisfying as yelling, "You expletive deleted."
However I always felt that swearing was inappropriate in the workplace, but a new study indicates otherwise.
"LONDON (AFP) - Regular swearing at work can help boost team spirit among staff, allowing them to express better their feelings as well as develop social relationships, according to a study by researchers.
Yehuda Baruch, a professor of management at the University of East Anglia, and graduate Stuart Jenkins studied the use of profanity in the workplace and assessed its implications for managers."
Upon further review I tend to agree with this study; nothing builds camaraderie like an "F U" between friends.
Think about it, don't you usually swear when you are with friends and family? Using profanity is a sign that you feel comfortable with someone. I wouldn't greet a Catholic priest with a "How's it hanging Rev? How about them expletive deleted Redskins, they blew it again?
If you swear in a casual manner when you are with your colleagues, it's a sign that you have bonded with them. Mind you, there's a difference between directing your profanities at a co-worker and swearing at life's trials and tribulations. Under no circumstances should obscenities directed a fellow employee or customer ever be tolerated.
Dear reader, if you have been castigating yourself for saying bad words at work -- chill out! You are not being a disruptive influence, but a team player who is boosting team spirit.
You go, you expletive deleted!
However I always felt that swearing was inappropriate in the workplace, but a new study indicates otherwise.
"LONDON (AFP) - Regular swearing at work can help boost team spirit among staff, allowing them to express better their feelings as well as develop social relationships, according to a study by researchers.
Yehuda Baruch, a professor of management at the University of East Anglia, and graduate Stuart Jenkins studied the use of profanity in the workplace and assessed its implications for managers."
Upon further review I tend to agree with this study; nothing builds camaraderie like an "F U" between friends.
Think about it, don't you usually swear when you are with friends and family? Using profanity is a sign that you feel comfortable with someone. I wouldn't greet a Catholic priest with a "How's it hanging Rev? How about them expletive deleted Redskins, they blew it again?
If you swear in a casual manner when you are with your colleagues, it's a sign that you have bonded with them. Mind you, there's a difference between directing your profanities at a co-worker and swearing at life's trials and tribulations. Under no circumstances should obscenities directed a fellow employee or customer ever be tolerated.
Dear reader, if you have been castigating yourself for saying bad words at work -- chill out! You are not being a disruptive influence, but a team player who is boosting team spirit.
You go, you expletive deleted!
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